Doctors believe that although Tetanus vaccination is vital for preventing life-threatening diseases in mothers and newborns, some women in Jawzjan province have not received the vaccine due to a lack of awareness, economic difficulties, and limited access to health services.
They also add that, besides these challenges, false beliefs are important factors preventing women from getting vaccinated. Shamila, a 35-year-old resident of Sheberghan who has not yet received the Tetanus vaccine due to a lack of awareness, says,
“I have heard the name of Tetanus vaccine from television and other people, but I don’t have enough information and don’t know how important it is. My mother says I was vaccinated as a child, but I never went to a clinic to receive it during my teenage years.”
Sodaba, a 37-year-old resident of Sheberghan, also says, “I have heard about this vaccine, but I don’t know much about it. I remember receiving a few doses when I was younger, but I never completed the full vaccination course.”
Arezo, a 40-year-old resident of Sheberghan, says she has not received the Tetanus vaccine because of social misconceptions. She says,
“We hear different opinions from people about this vaccine. Some say it is beneficial, while others say it is harmful. That is why we are unsure how important it is.”
In addition to a lack of awareness, long distances to health centers and economic difficulties are also serious challenges to women’s access to the vaccine. Samira (pseudonym), who has not received the Tetanus vaccine due to limited access to health services and financial problems, says,
“The clinic is very far from our home, and transportation costs money. That is why I have not been able to go for vaccination.”
Arezo (pseudonym), another woman, says, “The clinic is far away and we do not have any means of transportation. If health services were closer, we would definitely get vaccinated.”
Meanwhile, obstetrics and gynecology specialists describe Tetanus vaccination as vital for women’s health, especially for pregnant women, and stress the importance of receiving it on time. Shabana Haidari, an obstetrics and gynecology specialist, says,
“The Tetanus vaccine plays a key role in protecting both mothers and newborns. Not receiving it can lead to serious health risks, including the death of the newborn and even the mother.”
She also adds, “Some families believe the vaccine causes illness, or they refuse it because other family members were not vaccinated. Such beliefs are a serious barrier to vaccination.”
Officials from the Jawzjan Public Health Directorate say the vaccine has been administered to thousands of women in the province and that efforts are ongoing to raise public awareness. Gul Aqa Barakzai, Head of the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) in Jawzjan, says,
“The Public Health Directorate provides vaccination services for women through 59 active health centers and is working through various programs to increase family awareness about this.”
According to doctors, the Tetanus vaccine is recommended in five doses for women and girls of reproductive age, as it helps prevent serious diseases.
